| Nappy Information | Shaped Nappies | Pocket Nappies |

One size or multi-sized?
Considerations when comparing one-size with multi-sized nappy systems
Two-part shaped nappies and pocket nappies (Wonderoos, Mommy's Touch pockets) are available as one-size-fits-all systems or in multiple sizes. When thinking about whether to go for a one-size nappy or buy multiple sizes there are a number of issues you might like to consider.

Generally speaking the most economical option is the one-size-fits-all, as there is no need to buy multiple nappies as your baby grows. The simplicity of just buying one set of nappies that will last your baby through most, if not all of it's nappy-hood is very appealing too. The down side to this is that fit may be compromised at the lowest and highest ends of the weight range and one-size nappies will be too big for some newborns and some bigger toddlers will grow out of one-size nappies befoire they potty train. Bizzarely it seems at first glance there is a group of babies who grow out of one-size nappies at about 10 months of age but then grow back into them once they start walking and fit into them for the remainder of their time in nappies. This is because babies usually change shape quite drastically during this transition from baby to toddler, losing the rounded cuddly baby look and becoming slimmer and longer as they get more mobile. For example, our son moved into the large size Fuzzi Bunz at 10 months and at 27 months they were still the best size for him, though the poppers were on a slightly wider setting. At 27 months the Motherease One Size and Wonderoos fit him on the widest poppers - just as they fitted him at around 10 months.

Another consideration is that in order to remain slim enough for newborn babies, one-size nappies are not particularly absorbent for toddlers, so they will probably need boosting as your baby grows and at night time. The cost of boosters therefore needs to be added into the cost equation too, as most babies will need boosters for at least some, if not all of their time in nappies.

All that said many people use one-sized nappies very successfully from birth to potty, so don't be unduly put off by these considerations. The Motherease One Size nappy must be one of the best selling and best-loved nappies in the world! The Motherease Multifit is also a useful nappy, though the velcro fastening can wear out before the nappy does. It is perhaps a little less absorbent than the One Size, but roomier, so easy to boost and higher in the rise, making it particularly suitable for taller toddlers. If Mum and Dad are tall, this would be a good option. The Tots Bots range of nappies can also be used as birth-to-potty nappies (choose the Size 2 Nippa or popper fastening versions). For a fully fleece-lined option choose the Bumble from Easy Peasy - a very cleverly designed nappy that is not too bulky on a small baby. If you want to go for the truly luxurious option without a huge outlay then consider the new Swaddlebees One-Size Organic Cotton Velour nappy. This combines the one-size option with the lovely organic cotton velour, which stays softer than cotton terry wash after wash. It gives a good trim fit across the full range of sizes and comes in lovely colours too. For the ultimate ability to customise absorbency and trimness of your nappies you might want to consider the one-size pocket nappies. With these you can keep the absorbency very slim for a newborn and put in plenty for a heavy wetting toddler. Wonderoos are made to a clever and simple design and are well tested and loved. Mommy's Touch are newer but work well and have separate leg poppers to give a closer fit at the legs.

Most one-size nappies will last one or two babies through their time in nappies if properly cared for. Choose popper fastening for maximum durability.

Multi-sized nappies generally give a better fit throughout nappyhood than one-size nappies. The absorbency of sized nappies is also more tailored to the needs of the different sized babies, so they are less bulky on a small baby and require less boosting on a bigger baby or toddler. They do work out as more costly initially. However, it is worth thinking about how many children you plan to have as, because they fit the baby for a shorter time than one-size nappies, sized nappies will get less wear per baby and so will last better through more than one baby. We have some Sandy's nappies size small and some Fuzzi Bunz that are on their fourth baby now (our two, and one of my sister's and my brother's babies) and are still looking good and performing well!

It is also worth bearing in mind that there is a good second hand market for cloth nappies, so nappies still in good condition after your baby has outgrown them can be sold, often for around half of the price you paid for them. This money can then be used towards buying the next size up. Do ask us for more information about selling your second hand nappies if you are stuck as to how to go about this. So even though multi-sized nappies are initially more expensive you will find that you can recoup a lot of your initial outlay through selling second hand.

Alternatively you could let someone else benefit from your nappies and give them to a charity that takes and distributes cloth nappies (see our links page for details).